Written by Dave Clarke
Three Press the Ball
Improve ball retention under pressure with this drill, designed to simulate scenarios where players face an aggressive opposition press. Reacting to the press is a key warm up action.
Coaching Objectives
Enhance players' ability to maintain possession and make effective decisions under pressure, ultimately improving their composure and confidence on the ball.
Drill Setup
- 10 Mins
- Squad Players
- 3 Bibs
- 15 x 15 y
Technique Tips
1. Body Positioning:
- Keep your body between the ball and the opponent to shield effectively.
- Angle your body to maximize protection while maintaining visibility of passing options.
2. Quick Decision-Making:
- Prioritize quick, decisive actions to evade pressure and maintain possession.
- Anticipate the movements of opponents and teammates to stay ahead of the game.
What the Players Do
You need to put players in a big circle with up to three pressing players in the centre. Decide on how many pressing players you want to use. The players creating the circle make passes to each…Pressing to Win The Ball
This drill will help you to coach your players to press and win the ball in all areas of the pitch - win possession and keep the ball.
Coaching Objectives
Players will be able to win the ball in all areas of the pitch and be able to keep possession under pressure from opponents.
Techniques for pressing will help teams to control the game when they are without the ball.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 14 Players
- 2 Goals
- 7 Bibs
- 40 x 20 y
What the Players Do
Team A start by keeping possession of the ball. Five opposition players now come across to press the ball. When possession is turned over, the ball must be passed back to the…Defensive Pressing Cues
Individuals can be coached how to defend in a team context when facing attacking passes in the final third of the pitch.
Coaching Objectives
Can the defenders read the cues that give away where the attacking passes will go and get to the receiver quickly to press them. Set up with coned goals at each end 4 yards wide that players dribble through to score so leave space behind.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 12 Players
- 4 Bibs
- 30 x 20 y
What the Players Do
Three attackers go against 4 defenders. Start with 2 defenders and 1 attacker at both ends of the pitch and 1 attacker in the middle on the side. One attacker starts with the ball and passes to the…Continue Reading For Free
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